Rhiannon Hendricks
If you've been invited to a 40s-themed wedding, you may be wondering how to dress appropriately for the occasion. The 1940s was a decade marked by World War II, which influenced the fashion of the time, especially in terms of fabric availability and style. Women's fashion in the 1940s was characterized by a blend of practicality and elegance, with a focus on creating an hourglass silhouette while incorporating masculine details like shoulder pads. For weddings, dresses were often simple, practical, and handmade from affordable fabrics like rayon, and sometimes featured long sleeves, modest necklines, and slim A-line silhouettes. Men's attire could include suspenders, vests, and jackets, with accessories like pocket watches to complete the 40s look.
Explore related products
$49.99
What You'll Learn
Brides: Chic two-piece skirt suits or long-sleeved vintage gowns
If you're a bride-to-be and you're looking to channel the 1940s on your wedding day, you might want to consider a chic two-piece skirt suit or a long-sleeved vintage gown.
During the war, fabric was rationed, money was tight, and many women entered the workplace, so 1940s fashion was practical and often borrowed from or inspired by menswear. As such, some brides opted for skirt suits over wedding dresses, and celebrities like Lauren Bacall and Ava Gardner wore them for their nuptials. You could go for a grey check or teal skirt suit, or a white or cream-coloured two-piece like Gardner's, complete with a black vintage veil and a white flower corsage.
If you'd prefer to wear a dress, 1940s wedding dresses were often simple, practical, and handmade from cheap fabrics like rayon. They featured modest necklines, long sleeves, and gorgeous fabrics. You could also opt for a full-length lace gown with a short veil, like Marilyn Monroe, or a cream-coloured silk dress with long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, like Carole Landis.
To complete your 1940s bridal look, don't forget to add a veil, a dainty retro hat, or a flower garland. For jewellery, keep it simple with pearls, and finish the look with flat shoes so that you're not taller than your husband-to-be.
Dad's Wedding Dress Vision: Is it Okay?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Grooms: Suspenders, pocket watches, and military-inspired jackets
If you're the groom at a 40s-themed wedding, you may want to consider wearing suspenders, a pocket watch, and a military-inspired jacket. Here are some ideas to help you achieve this look:
Suspenders
Suspenders, also known as braces, were a popular accessory for men in the 1940s. You can find vintage-style suspenders on Etsy, with features such as Y-back button designs and leather loops. For a more personalised touch, you can even get them customised or monogrammed.
Pocket Watches
A pocket watch is a classic accessory that can add a touch of elegance to your 40s-themed wedding attire. Look for pocket watches with a vintage or retro design, perhaps in stainless steel with a gold finish. You can also find wooden pocket watches that can be customised with engravings, making them extra special for your big day.
Military-Inspired Jackets
Military-style clothing was prevalent in the 1940s due to World War II. You can find vintage 1940s military jackets and shirts on Etsy, including styles such as the US Army jacket, the Swedish Army fitted wool coat, and the German Army Moleskin jacket. For a more formal look, you could opt for a vintage 1940s suit in a style that reflects the era, such as a two-piece skirt suit or a double-breasted jacket.
Remember to consider the season and venue of your wedding when choosing your attire, as you want to ensure you're comfortable as well as stylish. Enjoy putting together your 40s-themed wedding look!
Silver Shoes and Ivory Dresses: A Wedding Style Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bridesmaids: Purple velvet dresses, white gloves, and headdresses
For a 1940s-themed wedding, bridesmaids can don a combination of purple velvet dresses, white gloves, and headdresses.
Purple is a romantic and classic colour for bridesmaid dresses, and velvet was a common fabric choice in the 1940s. To complement the dresses, white gloves can be added as a vintage accessory. During the 1940s, daytime dress gloves were typically made from leather or suede in dark or neutral colours, but white was also common. White leather gloves were particularly popular for evenings and special occasions, adding a touch of glamour to the outfit.
Bridesmaids' headdresses can vary, but a heart-shaped design is one option inspired by 1940s fashion. For example, a photograph from 1946 shows a bride wearing a heart-shaped headdress. Alternatively, a fashionable hat or a long net veil, similar to those worn by Princess Elizabeth and Phyllis in the 1940s, could be chosen as a headdress.
The 1940s was a time of wartime weddings, and bridesmaids often wore coats to these weddings, which followed the Utility clothing rules of the time. A simple, classic cut coat in a smart new design could be an option for a 1940s-themed wedding, adding a touch of glamour to the outfit.
How to Let Out Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$41.99
Groomsmen: Vests, jackets, and pocket watches
When it comes to groomsmen attire for a 1940s-themed wedding, there are a few key elements to consider, including vests, jackets, and pocket watches.
Vests
Vests can be a great addition to the groomsmen's attire, especially for a formal 1940s-themed wedding. When choosing a vest, it is important to consider the overall colour scheme and season of the wedding. For example, pastel shades like pinks, purples, and blues are perfect for warmer weather weddings. If you want to add a vintage twist, consider a waistcoat in tweed or a double-breasted style, which was popular in the 1940s.
Jackets
The style of the jacket will depend on the formality of the wedding. For a very formal 1940s-themed wedding, dinner jackets or tuxedos were common. A classic 1940s look for groomsmen could include ivory and black dinner jackets. For a more relaxed wedding, a business suit or a tweed suit would be appropriate. To add a vintage touch, consider a hat, such as a boater hat or a classic fedora, to complete the look.
Pocket Watches
Pocket watches were a popular accessory in the 1940s and can add a sophisticated touch to the groomsmen's attire. Look for vintage styles with mechanical movements and gold or silver detailing. You can even find personalised options to make them extra special for your groomsmen. Some popular choices include Rolex, Elgin, and Tiffany & Co.
Enhancing Your Wedding Dress: Adding Lace to the Skirt
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$42.99
Guests: 40s-style dresses, skirts, suits, and hats
Guests attending a 40s-themed wedding can have fun with their attire and channel the fashion of the era. Women can look for 1940s-style dresses and skirts that fall just below the knee, with modest necklines and long sleeves. The wartime and post-war era saw a focus on the waist, with an emphasis on the ''V' silhouette and the hourglass figure. Women's fashion often incorporated masculine details, such as shoulder pads mirroring the military uniform look. A guest might opt for a two-piece skirt suit, a popular choice for brides of the time, or a dress with a high neckline and button front.
For an authentic 40s look, guests could add a retro hat, a flower garland, or a headpiece attached to a veil. Jewellery could be kept simple with pearl earrings and a matching necklace. As for shoes, flats were popular to avoid being taller than one's partner. Guests could also style their hair with 'jelly rolls' and ringlets, a classic 1940s elegant look.
Men attending a 40s-themed wedding can also join in on the fun. They might wear suspenders, vests, or jackets, and pocket watches can be a great accessory to complete the look. Hats were also popular, as were braces and collar bars.
Etsy is a great place to find 40s-style clothing, with a range of vintage replicas and sellers offering made-to-order items.
How Boning Can Transform Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Women can wear a two-piece skirt suit or a knee-length dress with an A-line skirt and tailored, high-waisted top. You can also add a veil, flower garland, or retro hat. Men can wear suspenders, vests, and jackets.
Women can accessorise with pearls, a birdcage veil, and white gloves. Men can wear pocket watches.
Women can wear flats.
Women can style their hair with bangs, "jelly rolls", and ringlets.
